This bill amends the definition of "recovery house" in RSA 153:10-d, II, changing it from a "residence" to a "primarily non-transient dwelling or dwelling unit" that provides a substance-free living environment for individuals in recovery from addiction. The new definition emphasizes that recovery houses support individuals living as a single household and centered on peer support and connections to recovery services. Additionally, the bill specifies that recovery housing does not include boarding houses, rooming houses, halfway houses, or any other licensed facilities under RSA 151.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new paragraph to RSA 674:17, which outlines how recovery houses should be treated in zoning ordinances. It states that a recovery house located within a single-family, two-family, or multi-family structure will be classified as such in zoning ordinances and will not require additional permitting or approval processes that are not required for similar uses. The bill also mandates that operators of recovery houses must notify local governing bodies at least 30 days before beginning operations and ensures that recovery houses are certified or actively pursuing certification. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 153:10-d, 674:17